Northern Directions

Prepare to tick off your travel bucket list as we follow the road north and explore some of Europe’s most iconic cities. Starting in Rome, you’ll have the chance to experience the canals of Venice, the storybook mountains of the Swiss Alps, charming Luxembourg, Amsterdam’s famed museums and some of the most delish food in the world. Gather around Topdeckers, this trip is going to be a beauty.

Bucket List Inclusions

Try traditional Swiss fondue

Canal dinner cruise in Amsterdam

More Inclusions

8 breakfasts, 4 dinners

7 nights in hostels, 1 night in a bungalow

English Channel crossing

Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

Guided tours of all major cities

Awesome Trip Leader and Driver

Group Size

Maximum 48

Transport

Modern air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi, including power points for charging electronics.

Start/Finish Times

Start time:Meet at 3pm in Rome

Finish time:Approximately 9pm in London (or 10am in Amsterdam)

Gostou? Fale com a CI

Rome is where the heart is. Gawk at the Colosseum, get your heart pumping with a race up the Spanish Steps and throw a coin in the famous Trevi Fountain. If your energy levels keep up, window shop along Via Condotti or simply mix with the locals before you meet with the gang in the afternoon. Espresso stops mandatory.

After channeling your inner romantic at Juliet’s wall of love notes in Verona, we’re off to oh-so-pretty Venice. Get ready to experience one of those ultimate bucket list destinations. Venice is as good as everyone says it is, trust us.

100+ slowly sinking islands won't explore themselves. Get your bearings on this morning's walking tour before an action packed day. Soak up St Mark's Square and opt in for a quintessential gondola ride on the Grand Canal (optional activity). Corny smooching not included. This afternoon, check out the Doge's Palace, cross Rialto Bridge and shop for Carnevale masks. Did we mention how beautiful it is here?

Off to the Alps, where the air is crisp, the views are storybook-worthy and fondue is totally acceptable at any time of day. Once you’ve settled in, get cosy in one of the cafés that line the main street and treat yourself to a hot chocolate and a spot of alpine-themed daydreaming.

Ski, sled, snow angel, or park yourself indoors to enjoy the views (from the warmth). Craving more altitude? Head to the awe-inspiring ‘Top of Europe’, aka Jungfrau, on an optional rail adventure and test your pano skills. With so much to get involved with today, the question is, where to start?

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner

Optional activities:
-Scenic excursion to Jungfrau ('The Top of Europe')
-Night sledding in the Swiss Alps
-Skiing in the Swiss Alps
-Skydiving in the Swiss Alps
-Scenic helicopter ride in the Swiss Alps

Welcome to Luxembourg, where the country’s wealth is strong and its wine consumption is stronger. (Read: the good life). Notice the contrast between the capital city’s historic and modern-day architecture before delving into the many restaurants, museums and galleries on offer. Let’s do this.

Say hello to one of Europe’s most picturesque cities, where views of pretty tulips, canal-lined houses and bridges are everywhere you look. From the infamous Red Light District to Amsterdam’s bustling squares lined with foodie options, this city is like a real-life postcard.

Get on your bike and ride! Do as the locals do and join the 881,000 bicycles on an optional city bike tour to soak up the wintery canal vistas before retreating with hot chocolate, poffertjes and stroopwafels. Take on one of the city's 51 museums (make sure to book the Anne Frank House in advance). Still thirsty for more? Check out the Heineken Experience for an interactive visit and tasting at the brewery. Top it off with a dinner cruise on the canal.

Rome is where the heart is. Gawk at the Colosseum, get your heart pumping with a race up the Spanish Steps and throw a coin in the famous Trevi Fountain. If your energy levels prevail, window shop along Via Condotti or simply mix with the locals before you meet with the gang in the afternoon. Espresso stops mandatory.

100+ slowly sinking islands won't explore themselves. Get your bearings on this morning's walking tour before an action packed day. Soak up St Mark's Square and opt in for a quintessential gondola ride on the Grand Canal (optional activity). Corny smooching not included. This afternoon, snoop the Doge's Palace, cross Rialto Bridge and shop for Carnevale masks. There's so much going on here. Did we mention it's beautiful?

Off to the Alps, where the air is crisp, the views are storybook-worthy and fondue is totally acceptable at any time of day. Once you've settled in, get cosy in one of the cafés that line the main street and treat yourself to a hot chocolate and a spot of daydreaming.

Ski, sled, snow angel, or park yourself indoors to enjoy the views (from the warmth). Craving more altitude? Head to the 'Top of Europe', aka Jungfrau, on an optional adventure and test your pano skills. The view from up here is so beautiful, you'll probably cry. Seriously. With so much to get involved with today, the question is, where to start?

Meals:
-Breakfast
-Dinner

Optional activities:
-Scenic excursion to Jungfrau ('The Top of Europe')
-Night sledding in the Swiss Alps
-Skiing in the Swiss Alps
-Skydiving in the Swiss Alps
-Scenic helicopter ride in the Swiss Alps

Welcome to Luxembourg, where the country's wealth is strong and its wine consumption is stronger. (Read: the good life). Notice the contrast between the capital city's historic and modern-day architecture before delving into the many restaurants, museums and galleries on offer. Let's do this.

Say hello to Europe's most infamous city, where pretty tulips mask a touch of debauchery. Get the obvious out of the way (Red Light District, anyone?) then discover Amsterdam's charming canal-lined houses and open squares. Also, get all Dutch with a cheese and clogs demonstration and discover why these guys are the experts at both.

Get on your bike and ride! Do as the locals do and join the 881,000 bicycles on an optional city bike tour to soak up the wintery canal vistas before retreating with hot chocolate, poffertjes and stroopwafels. Take on the city's 51 museums (must-dos: Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House). Still thirsty for more? Check out the Heineken Experience for an interactive visit and tasting at the brewery. Top it off with a dinner cruise on the canal.

Your Topdeck crew never expect tips themselves and will not ask for any; that’s not what friends do! We also know how much tipping can cost you. So go ahead, spoil yourself with the money you will save by travelling with Topdeck (just don’t forget Mum’s souvenir).

Our travel app has landed! With a range of awesome features including a Currency Converter, Budget Tracker, Check-In tool and Social Timeline you can plan your trip like a pro. Think of it like your very own Topdeck Trip Leader, always on call with the latest info, weather, maps and city guides to give you the trip of a lifetime, all in the palm of your hand.

Please note: The Topdeck Travel App should only be downloaded once you have booked onto your trip. You will not be able to log in unless you have a Topdeck Booking Reference Number.

One of the best parts of travelling is experiencing the nightlife and entertainment each city has to offer. However, amidst the fun and excitement, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and personal safety as well. Before you hit the road with us, it’s important to be aware of the following:

When you’re on a night out, remember to avoid walking alone, particularly through deserted areas like beaches and back streets. Always stick together, take a taxi where possible, and keep a note of your accommodation details so you can find your way back to your fellow Topdeckers if you become separated.

In some countries, alcoholic measures can be considerably larger than what you may be used to. Try to keep track of what you’re drinking, and if you see one of your trip mates looking a little worse for wear, take them back to your accommodation. Be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended.

It’s also important to be aware that what you might consider harmless flirting may be interpreted differently in some countries. Be yourself and have fun, but don’t be naïve, and be mindful of the signals you are sending out so that you don’t find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.